Description

Our Volunteer Program is an immersion program that offers volunteer opportunities for students, professionals, and anyone with the desire to serve in a rural village in Africa or Asia. Those interested in participating in the Volunteer Program complete an application process, and upon acceptance, are matched with one of our partner organizations in Kenya, Ghana, India, or Nepal. Volunteer placements are based on the skills and interests of the volunteer, as well as the needs of the partner community. Volunteers may also have the option to be placed with more than one partner organization.

Our Volunteer Program is the result of collaborations between Village Volunteers and our partner organizations. We strongly believe that only our partners know what their communities need most, and so volunteers customize their own volunteer experiences in partnership with the Director of the organization with which they have been matched.

Volunteers are encouraged to have an open mind and heart, and be ready to learn and pitch in where needed. Sample volunteer activities include:

* teaching in a school
* helping in an orphan home
* working in a clinic
* teaching public health awareness (clean water, malaria, HIV/AIDS prevention)
* assisting in agricultural or building projects
* providing IT / computer skills training
* assisting with micro-credit projects
* working with special needs children, their families, and possibly their teachers

Village Volunteers works closely with each volunteer to ensure a comprehensive preparation that includes both an understanding of the people with whom you will be working and all considerations necessary for travel overseas.

Highlights

Be immersed in a rural village; spend time with warm and welcoming villagers; and have the opportunity to assist villagers with day-to-day tasks in the community.

Qualifications

Regardless of your skill level, your contributions to a village are appreciated. Come with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and pitch in where needed.

Languages

• English
• Swahili

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

Kenya Volunteer Program Pricing

2 weeks 1580 USD
3 weeks 1720 USD
4 weeks 1860 USD
5 weeks 2000 USD
6 weeks 2140 USD
7 weeks 2280 USD
8 weeks 2420 USD

Alumni volunteers and youth (age 15 or less) are eligible for a 200 USD discount. Groups of six or more are eligible for a group discount of 200 USD per volunteer. Only one discount can be applied per volunteer.

* These prices are valid if a volunteers application is received by our office by midnight (PST) on this date. Volunteers do not need to travel by this date.

Volunteer Program fee includes:

* Personalized placement
* Travel preparation and cultural orientation
* Meals and accommodations
* Escorted ground transportation to and from the airport
* Escorted ground transportation to and from one village placement
* Care and supervision by a Village Volunteers partner organization
* Post-program assistance
* Financial support for sustainable development

Volunteer Program fee does not include:

* Airfare
* Personal travel expenses
* Excursions and tourist activities
* Personal spending money
* Cost for transportation to two or more village placements
* Phone calls
* Internet use
* Visa and passport fees
* Immunizations
* Travel health insurance
* Laundry services

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Village Volunteers customizes international volunteer opportunities for anyone with the desire to serve in a rural village.

Age Range

The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 20-years-old (exceptions may be possible). The minimum age for a child traveling with a parent or guardian is 10-years-old. If a volunteer is between the ages of 10 and 18, the accompanied guardian must be a parent, a legal guardian, or a person appointed by that parent or guardian and must take full responsibility.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

5 - 7 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Village Volunteers's Mission Statement

Village Volunteers was founded in the belief that partnership is a key factor in the renewal and healing of areas plagued by poverty and disease. Committed to preserving autonomy and cultural heritage, Village Volunteers works in collaboration with village organizations to support the achievement of their goals and objectives by integrating international volunteerism, sustainable community development projects, and program assistance. Village Volunteers promotes self-sufficiency in rural villages through programs that foster economic and educational opportunities, food security, improved health conditions, public health awareness and support for vulnerable children.

Year Founded

2003